A three-dimensional analysis of lineout throwing in rugby union

Lineout possession is a critical aspect of modern rugby union. Until recently, the team throwing the ball won nearly all lineout possessions. However, rule changes and advances in the tactical and technical understanding of lineout play have reduced the advantages of the throwing team noticeably over the past 4 years. There is now increased pressure on the thrower (hooker) to deliver the ball accurately, as even small errors result in a loss of possession and/or team momentum. The purpose of this study was to quantify the kinematic and temporal characteristics of high-performance rugby hookers when performing the lineout throw. [Abstract presented at the Fifth World Congress on Science and Footbal, held at the Technical University of Lisbon, Portugal, 11–15 April 2003